CHECK OUT MY OTHER BLOGS

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

HAPPY MARDI GRAS

Took 3 of my neighbors and 2 dogs to the Mardi Gras parade in my RV. Houma has the second largest Mardi Gras after New Orleans.

We each brought wine and snacks and were lucky to find a parking place real close to the parade route. Opened the slide and turned the generator on as it was hot and we needed A/C.

Evelyn and Maya

Roberto and Xi Shi

Evelyn and Maya

I made the Hippie shirt she is wearing.

Getting lots of kisses from Xi

Took a few photos of the parade but the sky was overcast so none were coming out as pretty as I wanted. The floats were decorated with bright colors and the riders were in mask and costume. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

Some folks have been parked along the parade since yesterday in order to have a good spot for watching. They set up bar-b-cue pits and chairs and enjoy themselves until it's time for the parade to start.

There were several marching bands and the music from the floats was very loud so Xi Shi did not want to walk closer to the action.

Carolyn and Xi Shi

After awhile we all stayed inside and watched through the windows of the RV.

When the parade was over, we rode around trying to find some bar-b-que but lots of places were closed for this holiday so we came home. I had a good time and really enjoyed having company with me in the RV. We're already planning next year's agenda.

Hi JOJO... It was a nice parade with lots of throws for everyone. I stopped collecting Mardi Gras throws a long time ago. If I see one I like at the Mardi Gras store then I buy it. I hang really nice ones on the inside of my front door.

Hi TexCyn... Mardi Gras celebrations are not for folks who don't like crowds. However, there is a way to enjoy the holiday. I started last year with this idea of going at the last minute to an area with a large parking lot and park my RV as close as I can get. Most folks park campers days before Mardi Gras day and just leave them parked along the parade route. I couldn't do that with my coach. I would worry too much about it. Next year I'm thinking of going several hours before the parade and do some cooking and dancing and really get into the festivities. Night parades are a lot of fun, too. It's been years since I've been to a night parade but may do so next year. We have a total of 8 parades during the season and 5 are night parades.

Hi Barbara... That photo did come out nice. It's very hard to get Xi Shi to look at the camera especially at the same time as I am looking at it. So I will cherish this photo.

Mardi Gras parades can be a lot of fun. Day parades are mostly for families and children. Everyone tries to catch throws for the kids. Night parades are different. They can get really wild. Folks are drinking and kids are not the center of attention. I've had more fun at night parades. The floats are well lit and the float riders are wild and crazy and more generous with their throws. The atmosphere is more for letting your hair down. I haven't been to a night parade in years. Getting old I guess ;-)

I love the bright colors of Mardi Gras! Looks like you had a lot of fun. I was in New Orleans the week before Mardi Gras a couple years ago and we saw a couple small parades. I love the happy atmosphere.

Hi Janice... Welcome to my blog. I too love the bright colors of Mardi Gras. For years I wore Mardi Gras costumes on Mardi Gras day and wore lots of make up. It was a blast. Now I just barely make one parade a season. Getting old I guess ;-)

Thanks for the compliment. I've had it for many years and love to wear it over my favorite purple Mardi Gras shirt. Another favorite is my purple and gold feather boa that I wear around my neck when street dancing. We have several Mardi Gras stores in town and I shop there for those fancy Mardi Gras necklaces and such.

PLACES I'VE BEEN IN THE UNITED STATES

PLACES I'VE BEEN IN CANADA

ABOUT ME

I was born in Texas but raised in Louisiana and have lived most of my adult life in Houma, Louisiana.

I entered college at the age of 32, having spent my 20s traveling around the country living the hippie lifestyle. It took me 12 years to finally complete my formal education and received a BA in Psychology, an MA in Psychological Counseling, and a PhD in Human Services.

For over 25 years I worked in the field of Mental Health as a Counselor/Therapist and Social Services Program Director. I burned out after the first 3.

For the last 7 years of my employment I ran my own Academic Tutoring Center out of my home, which I enjoyed a great deal. I retired in 2008 and married my business partner who passed away in 2010.

So now I am free for the first time since I was a young girl. Free to not have to work to support myself as I am receiving monthly Widow's Benefits and am careful to stay on budget. I'm free to travel in my motorhome and have new experiences and make new friends.

Just sold some property and will have a little extra to travel with. So, now with my 3 cats and 2 Shih Tzus - I'm ready to go.

After spending over 12 years in college, obtaining 3 degrees, and having my head filled with all that book learning - I can leave it all behind me now and go back to find the old me... the me that believed in magic. Not superstitious magic but the magic of reality.